Advanced Manufacturing

Process Technician

A process technician oversees the completion of a particular manufacturing process or the entire plant.

If you’re good at looking at the big picture and have excellent organizational skills, then you’ll make a great process technician. This job will have you working on the production floor, where all the action is, with occasional tasks in the laboratory or the warehouse. You’ll be involved in every step of the manufacturing process, from design to finished product quality tests.

As a process technician, you’ll work on the process that a product undergoes, from the moment a customer comes forward with an idea or need to the end of its journey through the assembly line. Because you’ll be able to read technical drawings and understand the specifications of a product, you’ll be valuable out on the production floor, checking machines and inspecting the products to make sure they look and work exactly the way they should. Your duties will vary depending on the company, but you might be asked to repair machines, which will require you to have some knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. Good organizational skills will come in handy if you’re asked to prepare or file reports.

Although process technician is considered an entry level job, there are various certifications and training courses that will make your resume stand out to potential employers. Look for programs that offer hands-on experience at a real manufacturing facility.

Also Known As:

Process Engineer, Production Associate, Plant Technician

Critical Skills

Required

Active Listening

Engineering and Technology

Manufacturing Process, Design, and Development

Mathematics

Mechanical Tools and Equipment

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly

Production and Processing

Preferred

Advanced Computer Skills

Communication - Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking/Oral

Continuous Improvement

Gathering or Getting Information

Interpersonal Skills

Operations Analysis

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Problem Solving

Project Management

Teamwork

Key Responsibilities

Confer with clients to ensure satisfaction

Monitor and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment

Ensure safety standards are met

Perform preventative and repair maintenance on machines

Conduct quality tests on materials and finished products

Prepare analytical reports on tests

Interests

Process Improvements

Project Management

Team Leadership

Technical Writing

How to get this job

Previous process or project work is desired. Take on process documentation work and technical writing opportunities. Gain customer service skills, project software skills, experience working with budgets.